Deep Lone Peak downs Morgan

HIGHLAND — Lone Peak volleyball coach Deanna Meyer has a problem a lot of coaches would like to have.

"I have kids sitting the bench who could be starting on other teams," she said after the Knights started the season with a win over 3A's top-ranked team, Morgan, 25-17, 25-20. "That was our very first game. I thought we came out pretty excited to play, and I thought we played pretty well."

The win came in the opening matches of the inaugural Rocky Mountain Classic, hosted by Lone Peak and Lehi high schools. Meyer had the additional stress of running the tournament, which features 16 of the best teams in the state, while preparing her team for the 5A season. The Knights were ranked No. 2 in preseason polls, behind Fremont, which is playing in the same tournament.

Meyer's attention may have had to shift from game plans to tournament issues during the team's win over Morgan, but her players seemed focus on what they do best.

The offense was led by Faith Tusieseina, who finished with 12 kills, and was an impressive force at the net. Libero Cari Shumway earned seven digs and helped the team defensively in a match with some lengthy, exciting rallies. Kylie Heaps added eight digs, while senior setter Lacey Laycock had four kills, 19 assists and three aces in the win.

"I thought we moved the ball around really well," said Meyer.

That's a good thing because the Knights have no shortage of hitters who will find holes in any defense.

Morgan played well but struggled at times to serve consistently. The Trojans' libero, Mikelle Kap, had some exciting pick-ups, while Richelle Visage, Carolyn Johnson, Chelsey Garfield and Kelsey Rees played well at the net.

On an adjacent court, Cottonwood defeated Provo in three games, 20-25, 25-15, 15-8, in a match that looked similar at times to the Lone Peak/Morgan match. Cottonwood, ranked No. 1 in 4A, returns a lot of the talent from last year's championship squad. Coach Bob Berrett said the Colts don't accumulate a lot of individual stats because of their depth.

"We distribute the ball so well," he said. In the win over Provo, Melissa Fifita earned eight kills, while Racheal Atland added six kills. Freshman McKenna Tait continued her near-perfect serving performance and had three aces.

The pool play was scheduled to continue through Saturday with the top two teams from each of the four pools playing for the Gold Championship Saturday afternoon.

Other scores:

SOUTH SUMMIT DEF. MANILA 25-11, 25-18, 25-13: South Summit downed Manila in three straight games.